Retractable top tonneau cover assembly and modular assembly

ABSTRACT

A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/766,381 filed Jan. 19, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,605 that is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/334,763 filed Jun. 16, 1999that is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,104 issued Apr. 17, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to retractable hard top vehicle roofs and relatedvehicle components that facilitate roof retraction and extension.

BACKGROUND ART

Motor vehicles generally are provided with a rigid roof structurecompletely enclosing the top of the passenger compartment. In someinstances a sunroof may be provided at an additional cost to providesome overhead ventilation, however, the size of the vehicle sunroofs isnormally very limited. Vehicle roofs with sunroofs do not in any wayapproach the ventilation, openness and panoramic view that is availablewith a convertible roof.

Conventional convertibles have a soft top that is folded into a seriesof folds that are stretched over three or four convertible top bows whenthe top is in its extended, or up, position. Convertible soft tops areprone to problems including excessive noise and potential water leakage.Soft tops are also generally less durable than a hard top and mayrequire replacement periodically during the life of the vehicle. Some ofthe difficulties with the soft top convertibles result from the factthat they are not particularly well suited to winter weather. Coldtemperatures, ice and snow that are encountered in winter discourageconsumers from selecting convertible style vehicles even though theconsumers may want a convertible for summer driving. In winter, waterleakage through the convertible roof can make driving unpleasant andcause water damage to the interior of the vehicle. A soft top can make avehicle difficult to heat due to heat transfer through the convertibletop unless it is lined and insulated. If a convertible top is lined andinsulated, reduction in noise levels and better heat retention may beachieved but the top becomes more bulky and requires more space withinthe vehicle for stowage.

Retractable hard tops offer the advantages of a hard top roof and aconvertible in that they provide a durable vehicle roof that is notprone to excessive noise levels or leakage and provides excellentdurability. However, retractable hard tops generally require complexlinkages and drive mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,606,discloses a system in which the trunk is provided with a dual hingemechanism to allow it to be opened in the conventional manner on aforward hinge and to be tipped about its rear edge on an auxiliary rearhinge. In addition, a relatively large storage compartment must beprovided to permit the retractable hard top to be folded and then movedinto its storage compartment. Depending upon the size of the roof andtrunk area of the vehicle, it may be difficult or impossible toconfigure a retractable hard top according to prior art designs thatwould still leave sufficient space in the trunk for useful storage. Inaddition to providing space for storing the retractable hard top, if anautomatic hard top is provided, there must be adequate clearance betweenthe trunk lid, wheel housings, floor of the vehicle and belt line of thevehicle so that the hard top may be automatically retracted withoutinterference from other vehicle elements.

Assembly of convertible tops and retractable hard tops has generallybeen accomplished by taking separate components including the top andits associated linkage and the tonneau and its associated linkage andassembling them to a partially constructed vehicle on an assembly line.Alternatively, convertibles have been manufactured by removing the roofstructure of a conventional coupe, reinforcing the frame and theninstalling the convertible top and tonneau. In either method the trunklid is assembled as part of the vehicle entirely separately from thetop. Likewise, if a roll bar is provided it is entirely separate fromthe top and from the trunk lid prior to assembly to the vehicle. Theseassembly methods are inefficient and add operations to the final vehicleassembly process. Also, testing and adjustment of various systemsrelating to the operation of the trunk lid, tonneau and top are requiredpost assembly to the vehicle including integration of electricalconnections, hydraulic systems and mechanical linkages.

These and other problems and design objectives are addressed by thepresent invention as summarized below.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The advances embodied in the present invention may be applicable toretractable hard tops and soft convertible tops. The present inventionincludes improvements in the top alone and in combination with a powertonneau cover, trunk lid, and rollbar. The invention also offersadvantages relating to modular assembly techniques involving theretractable top, trunk, tonneau and rollbar.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a retractable topsystem is disclosed for a vehicle that has a body and a passengercompartment. The vehicle top system includes a roof formed in at leasttwo sections that are pivotally connected to each other and to thevehicle body and are movable between a top up position and a stowedposition by a roof linkage. The roof linkage includes right and leftpivot brackets that each have first and second portions pivotallyconnected respectively to the roof sections and a third portionpivotally and slidably connected respectively to right and left roofguide tracks. In the top up position, the roof covers a passengercompartment. In the stowed position, the passenger compartment isuncovered. The two sections of the roof are adjoined in the top upposition and are folded together in the stowed position. The roof pivotbrackets are moved along roof guide tracks as the roof is moved betweenthe top up position and the stowed position. The system is preferablypowered by a motor that is operatively connected to the roof linkage formoving the top between the top up and stowed positions.

The retractable top linkage includes a front roof assembly a rear roofassembly that are connected by right and left balance links. Eachbalance link pivotally connects one side of the front roof assembly toone of the first and second portions of the right and left roof pivotbrackets to provide a balance link pivot mount. The linkage furtherincludes right and left control links that are connected to right andleft body mounted pivots on a first end and to a controlled member on asecond end. The control member is pivotally connected to the right andleft roof pivot brackets respectively. The controlled member may beeither a pivotal connection at a lower intermediate portion of the rearroof assembly or may be a pivot connector on the balance link thatextends between the front roof assembly and roof pivot brackets.

The roof pivot brackets each guide movement of the front and rear roofassemblies. The right and left roof pivot members connect the roof pivotbrackets for movement relative to the right and left roof guide tracks.The balance links connect the roof pivot brackets to the front roofassembly to move the front and rear roof assemblies between their top upand folded positions. The rear roof pivot mounts of the roof pivotbrackets guide the lower edge of the rear roof assembly along the rightand left roof guide tracks forward and downward into a storagecompartment of the trunk as the front roof assembly is folded toward therear roof assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, the retractable vehicletop system may be incorporated in a vehicle having a trunk lid that hasa linkage that raises the trunk lid as it pivots to provide additionalclearance for the retractable vehicle top system as it moves between thetop up position and the stowed position. The retractable roof and trunklid combination includes a roof formed in at least two sections that arepivotally connected to each other by a roof linkage to the vehicle body.The roof linkage includes right and left roof pivot brackets that areconnected to right and left sides of the vehicle body by right and leftroof pivot members received in right and left roof guide tracks. A trunklid is connected to both sides of the vehicle body by a trunk lidlinkage. The trunk lid linkage includes right and left movable trunk lidpivot members that are received in right and left trunk lid tracks. Themovable trunk lid pivot members are connected to the trunk lid and thevehicle body. The roof has a top up position wherein the roof covers thepassenger compartment in a stowed position wherein the passengercompartment is uncovered. Two sections of the roof are adjoined in thetop up position and are folded together in the stowed position. The roofpivot brackets are moved along the roof guide tracks as the roof ismoved between the top up position and the stowed position. The trunk lidhas a closed position in which the trunk lid covers the trunk and anopen position in which access is provided to the trunk. In the openpositions movable trunk lid pivot members are shifted rearwardly andupwardly by moving the trunk lid pivot members in the trunk lid tracksfrom the position that the pivot members are in when in the closedposition to thereby provide clearance for the roof as the roof is movedbetween the top up position and the stowed position.

A motor may be connected to the vehicle and trunk lid linkage orconnected between two relatively movable parts of the trunk lid linkage.A separate motor may be provided for the retractable top and the trunklid or both may be powered by a single motor.

The trunk lid assembly includes several novel features. The trunk lidassembly includes a trunk lid having a closed position and a raisedposition. Right and left arcuate support arms are affixed to right andleft sides of the trunk lid on their back ends and have a roller ontheir front ends. Right and left tracks each have a forward end and arearward end. The tracks are mounted on right and left sides of thevehicle. The tracks receive the rollers on the front ends of the supportarms. Right and left trunk lid control arms are pivotally secured toright and left sides of the vehicle. Rollers are disposed in the forwardends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted forward when thetrunk lid is in the forward position. The rollers are disposed in therearward ends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted upwardlyfrom their forward position when the trunk lid is in the raised positionso that the whole trunk lid is raised upwardly as the trunk lid supportarms are pivoted to move the trunk lid to the raised position. The trunklid assembly may be operable by either a motor or by hydrauliccylinders. The motor or hydraulic cylinders may be connected to rightand left sides of the vehicle and right and left trunk lid support arms.The hydraulic cylinders may also be connected to right and left trunklid control arms and right and left trunk lid support arms to move thetrunk lid between its closed and raised positions. Alternatively, thetrunk lid assembly may include right and left hydraulic cylinders thatare connected to right and left sides of the vehicle and the right andleft trunk lid control arms to move the trunk between its raised andclosed positions.

According to another aspect of the invention, a rear quarter windowassembly for a vehicle is provided that is carried by the retractabletop. The rear quarter window is carried by the retractable top as thetop is moved between a closed position and a stowed position. In theclosed position, the window is contiguous with the belt line of thevehicle to cover an opening defined between the top and the belt line ofthe vehicle. In the stowed position, the window is carried by aretractable top but is not contiguous with the retractable top or thebelt line of the vehicle. The window/top control arm is pivotallyconnected to a rear portion of the retractable top and is pivotallyconnected to the rear quarter window. A cam pivotally connects a lowerportion of the rear quarter window to the retractable top. The rearquarter window is moved by the retractable top after the retractable topmoves clear of the rear quarter window. The rear quarter window isrotated by the window/top control arm about the cam.

According to another aspect of the invention as it relates to the rearquarter window assembly, a longitudinally extensible roller campivotally connects a lower rear corner of the rear quarter window to theretractable top. The rear quarter window is moveable laterally outboardof the retractable top by extension of the roller cam to allow theretractable top to move clear of the rear quarter window. The rearquarter window is rotated by the window/top control arm about the rollercam to a position laterally outboard of the retractable top.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the power tonneaucover assembly in conjunction with the retractable top. The powertonneau cover assembly includes right and left pivot brackets movablyconnected to right and left tracks that are mounted on the vehicle. Thetonneau cover assembly includes a tonneau cover having right and leftfixed pivot mounts and right and left pivot link mounts. Right and leftbell cranks each are pivotally connected at a first connection point tothe right and left pivot brackets of the retractable top. Right and leftfront tonneau cover control links each have a first end pivotallyconnected to the tonneau cover and a second end pivotally connected to asecond connection point on the bell crank. Right and left rear tonneaucover control links each have a first end pivotally connected to rightand left sides of the retractable top and a second end pivotallyconnected to a third connection point on the bell crank. The fronttonneau cover control links lift the tonneau cover from a generallyhorizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation at thebeginning of the retractable top cycle. The pivot brackets move in thetracks causing the tonneau cover to return to the horizontal orientationafter the retractable top has moved to a position below the tonneaucover. The rear tonneau cover control links are moved by the retractabletop to rotate the bell crank providing a motive force for moving thetonneau cover and providing cooperation between the retractable top andthe tonneau cover.

According to another aspect of the invention, the retractable vehicletop as previously described and tonneau cover assembly may be providedas a combination including structural elements previously described. Theretractable vehicle top and tonneau cover assembly combination mayinclude roof pivot brackets that guide the movement of the front andrear roof assemblies with the right and left roof pivot membersconnected in roof pivot brackets for movement relative to the right andleft roof guide tracks. The balance link connects the roof pivotbrackets to the front roof assembly to move the front and rear roofassemblies between the top up and folded position. The rear roof pivotmount of the roof pivot brackets guide the lower edge of the rear roofassembly along right and left roof guide tracks forward and downwardinto a storage compartment of the trunk as the front roof assembly isfolded toward the rear roof assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, an outer tonneau cover maybe secured to the trunk lid for sliding movement on the trunk lid towardand away from the inner tonneau cover that is attached to theretractable top and frame to open and close an opening defined by afront edge of the trunk lid and the rear edge of the inner tonneaucover.

According to another aspect of the invention, a retractable vehicle top,trunk lid and tonneau cover assembly may be provided in combination fora vehicle including many of the structural elements previously describedwith respect to each element separately. Likewise, a retractable vehicletop, rear quarter window, tonneau cover assembly may be provided as asystem incorporating the structural elements previously described withrespect to each of the components.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular convertible topfor a vehicle is disclosed in which a frame that is adapted to besecured to the vehicle is used to mount a retractable top and tonneaucover prior to assembly to the vehicle. The frame, retractable top andthe inner tonneau cover are all installed in the vehicle simultaneouslyas a unit.

Another aspect of the modular convertible top concept, is to provide atrunk lid that is secured to the frame that is also installed in thevehicle simultaneously and as a unit with the frame, retractable top andinner tonneau cover.

The modular convertible top concept may also comprise including a rollbar that is secured to the frame and installed with the other componentssimultaneously as a unit.

The invention also comprehends a method of assembling a convertible topand related components to a vehicle wherein the retractable top andrelated components are assembled to a frame prior to assembly to thevehicle and wherein the assembly is secured as a unit to the vehicle.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be betterunderstood in view of the attached drawings and detailed description ofseveral embodiments of the invention that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the modular concept ofthe present invention wherein a retractable top, power tonneau, trunklid and roll bar are assembled to each other and a frame includingmounting brackets and installed as a unit simultaneously in a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle with aretractable top made in accordance with the present invention in its topup position.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top made in accordance with the present invention at thebeginning of the retraction cycle.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top made in accordance with the present invention with theretractable top at an intermediate point in the retraction cycle.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top made in accordance with the present invention with theretractable top at a nearly fully retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top made in accordance with the present invention with theretractable top at a fully retracted position.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicleshowing a retractable top made in accordance with the present inventionwith the retractable top in phantom lines as stowed in the vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary exploded view of the retractable top and rearquarter window made in accordance with the present invention with aportion of their associated linkages.

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevation view of a vehicle showing analternative linkage mechanism according to the present invention withthe retractable top in its top up position.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and theembodiment of the retractable top made in accordance with the embodimentof FIG. 9 and shown in its partially retracted position.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and aretractable top made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 9illustrating the top in its fully retracted position.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the vehicle having aretractable top and a power inner tonneau cover made in accordance withthe present invention with the retractable top in its top up position.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top and power inner tonneau cover made in accordance withthe present invention with the retractable top in its nearly fullyretracted position.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having aretractable top and power inner tonneau cover with the top in its fullyretracted position and the tonneau cover disposed above a portion of thetop.

FIG. 15 is the partial exploded perspective view of one side of aretractable top and power inner tonneau cover and a portion of theirassociated linkages.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunklid linkage made in accordance with the present invention in its fullyraised position with the retractable top shown in phantom partiallyretracted.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunklid linkage made in accordance with the present invention partiallyclosed with retractable top shown in phantom fully stowed.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunklid linkage made in accordance with the present invention closed overthe retractable top shown in phantom in its fully retracted position.

FIG. 19 is a exploded perspective view of a trunk lid and linkage madein accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunklid linkage with an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism shownin its fully raised position with the retractable top shown in phantompartially retracted.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid made inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the trunk lidpartially closed and the retractable top shown in phantom in its fullyretracted position.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the trunk lid made in accordancewith the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the trunk lid closed and theretractable top in its fully retracted position.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the trunk lid and linkagemade in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing a drive systeminterconnecting two parts of the linkage.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and a trunklid cover and linkage made in accordance with the present invention withan alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism shown in its fullyraised position with the retractable top shown in phantom partiallyretracted.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and a trunklid embodiment of FIG. 24 in its partially closed position with the roofshown in phantom in its fully retracted position.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the vehicle and trunklid cover according to the embodiment of FIG. 24 shown with the trunklid closed over the retractable top in its fully retracted position.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the trunk lid and linkagemade in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 24 showing a drive systeminterconnecting a part of the linkage to the vehicle or frame.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a trunk lid including a retractableouter tonneau cover formed as a part of the deck lid in conjunction witha moveable inner tonneau cover.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a retractable top 10 for a vehicle 12 is shownas a modular construction including a frame 14, inner tonneau cover 16and trunk lid 18 that are installed as a unit in the partially assembledvehicle 12. The frame 14 is secured to the retractable top 10, innertonneau cover 16 and trunk lid 18 that will be more particularlydescribed below. The trunk lid 18 includes an outer tonneau cover 20that is assembled to the trunk lid 18 in a sliding relationship similarto the sliding mechanism used for power sunroofs. The front edge of thetrunk lid 22 and a rear edge of the inner tonneau 24 define the spacecovered by the outer tonneau cover 20 when it is extended from the trunklid 18. Main bracket 26 and right and left wheel housing brackets 28 and30, respectively, are secured to or are formed as parts of othercomponents of the vehicle such as the floor and wheel housings. Holes 32are provided for fasteners to be received in for securing the modularassembly to the vehicle 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2-8, the structure and operation of the retractableroof 10 is described. The retractable top 10 in the illustratedembodiment includes a front roof assembly 36 and a rear roof assembly38. The front and rear roof assemblies 36 and 38 are interconnected by ahinge pin 40 and hinge flange 42. The hinge pin 40 is associated withthe rear roof assembly 38 and the hinge flange 42 extends rearwardlyfrom the rear edge of the front roof assembly 36. The roof linkagegenerally indicated by reference numeral 44 controls retraction andextension of the retractable top 10. The roof linkage 44 is symmetricaland includes right and left roof linkages on the right and left sides ofthe vehicle 12. For brevity, only the left side of the roof linkage 44is shown. However, it should be understood that a right side linkage isalso provided as part of the roof linkage 44. The right side rooflinkage is substantially identical in all material respects to the leftside linkage and its description will not be repeated.

The roof linkage 44 includes a roof pivot bracket 46 comprising agenerally y-shaped member having a track follower member 48 on one partof the roof pivot bracket 46 that is received for sliding movement alongthe roof guide track 50. A pivot connector 52 is provided on anotherportion of the roof pivot bracket 46. The pivot connector 52 connectsthe roof pivot bracket 46 to the rear roof assembly 38. A pivot pin 54connects another part of the roof pivot bracket 46 to a balance link 56.Balance link 56 interconnects the roof pivot bracket 46 to the frontroof assembly 36 at front roof pivot 58. A control link 60 is connectedto a body mount pivot 62 and a roof assembly pivot 64.

A rear quarter window 66 spans the space between the belt line 68 of thevehicle 12 and the lower edge 70 of the rear roof assembly 38. Awindow/top control arm 72 is connected by pivot 74 to the rear roofassembly. Pivot 76 connects the other end of the window/top control arm72 to the rear quarter window 66. A roller cam 78 is connected to therear quarter window 66 and is longitudinally extensible to move the rearquarter window 66 outboard as the roof is retracted and islongitudinally retracted to move the rear quarter window 66 intoengagement with the belt line 68 and lower edge 70 of the rear roofassembly 38 when the top 10 is in the top up position.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the roof pivot bracket 46 is located at theupper and rear end of the roof guide track 50 and the rear quarterwindow 66 is in engagement with the belt line 68 and edge 70 of the rearroof assembly 38. The front roof assembly 36 and rear roof assembly 38are contiguous to form a hard top over the passenger compartment of thevehicle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the roof is in an early stage retraction positionwherein the roof pivot bracket 46 has begun to move downwardly andforwardly in the roof guide track 50. The rear quarter window isextended outwardly to provide clearance between the window 66 and theoutboard sides of the retractable top 10. The roof pivot bracket 46 isheld in the same angular orientation by the track follower member 48 inthe roof guide track 50. The front roof assembly 36 and rear roofassembly 38 are not contiguous at this phase of the retraction cycle butare held together by the hinge pin 40 and hinge flange 42 as they beginfolding toward each other. The balance link 56 holds the front roofassembly 36 in a generally horizontal orientation. The balance link 56is held in place by the roof pivot bracket 46. The rear roof assembly 38is rotated upwardly on its front end and downwardly on its rear end bythe movement of the pivot connector 52 and the control link 60. Controllink 60 is anchored to the vehicle at the body mount pivot 62 and isrotated about roof assembly pivot 64. The rear quarter window 66 isrotated by the window/top control arm 72 that is connected to the rearroof assembly 36 at pivot 74. The window is connected to the window/topcontrol arm by pivot 76 that rotates the rear quarter window 66 aboutthe roller cam 78.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the retraction of the roof has continued to itsapproximate midpoint wherein the roof pivot bracket 46 has been moved bya cylinder or motor to the approximate midpoint of the roof guide track50. The front roof assembly 36 is held in its generally horizontalorientation by the balance link 56 while the rear roof assembly has beenrotated to a partially inverted position by the pivot connector 52 onthe roof pivot brackets 46. The control arm 60 supports the rear roofassembly on the body mount pivot 62 as it rotates about the roofassembly pivot 64. The rear quarter window 66 is rotated by thewindow/top control arm 72 about the roller cam 78.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the action of the roof linkage 44 is continuedto a fully retracted position and the pivot bracket 46 has moved furtherdownwardly and forwardly on the roof guide track 50. The balance link 56continues to hold the front roof assembly in a generally horizontalorientation as it is further folded on the hinge pin 40 and hinge flange42 over top of the rear roof assembly 38. The rear roof assembly 38 isnearly inverted as it is rotated by the further forward advancement ofthe pivot connector 52 and rotated about the roof assembly pivot 64. Thecontrol link 60 moves in a clockwise direction about the body mountpivot 62. The window/top control arm 72 continues to rotate the rearquarter window 66 about the roller cam 78 that holds the window outboardof the retractable top 10 as it progresses through its retraction cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the retractable top 10 is shown in its fullyretracted position. The roof pivot bracket 46 is at the forward anddownward end of the roof guide track 50. The roof pivot bracket 46 isheld in the same angular orientation by the track follower members 48 tothe roof guide track 50. The control arm 56 continues to hold the frontroof assembly in a generally horizontal orientation while the rear roofassembly 38 has been inverted so that the front roof assembly 36 mayrest on the rear roof assembly 38. The hinge pin 40 and hinge flange 42connect the front roof assembly 36 and rear roof assembly 38 together.The control arm 60 is disposed in a generally downward orientationsuspending the rear roof assembly 38 on the roof assembly pivot 64 fromthe body mount pivot 62. The window/top control arm 72 is moved by thecontrol arm 60 to a substantially inverted position relative to itsposition in the top up position.

When the roof is in its retracted position, as shown in FIG. 7, it maybe covered by the inner tonneau cover 16 and an outer tonneau cover 20on the trunk lid 18 of the vehicle 12. The front roof assembly 36 andrear roof assembly 38 are shown folded against one another.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the tonneau parts of the retractable top areshown in exploded perspective. A drive 80 is shown that is connected tothe vehicle body on one end and the pivot bracket 46 on the other end.The drive 80 may be a cylinder, cable drive, motor driven screw drive orother device that is capable of moving the roof pivot bracket 46 withinthe roof guide tracks 50. The track follower member 48 is shown as anextruded t-shaped member formed on one part of the roof pivot bracket46. To reduce friction, the track follower member 48 may include aroller or other friction reducing structure. The front roof assembly 36includes the hinge flange 42 that is connected to the rear roof assemblyby the hinge pin 40. Balance link 56 is connected by pivot pin 54 to theroof pivot bracket 46 on one end while the front roof pivot 58 connectsthe balance link 56 to the front roof assembly 36. Window/top controlarm 72 is connected a pivot 74 to the control link 60 on one end and isconnected to the pivot 76 on the rear quarter window 66. Rear quarterwindow 66 is further controlled by the roller cam 78 about which itpivots and that is effective to move the window outward during theretraction and extension cycles.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, an alternative embodiment of the roofretraction mechanism is described that is similar in many respects tothe embodiment of FIGS. 2-8 but includes a different arrangement whereinthe control link 82 is connected to the body mount pivot 62 on one endand is connected by a pivot 84 on the balance link 56. The control link82 connects the balance link 56 to the vehicle at body mount pivot 62.The balance link 56 is connected by pivot pin 54 to the roof pivotbracket 46 on its lower end and to the front roof pivot 58 on the otherend. In FIG. 9, the retractable top 10 is shown in its top up position.In FIG. 10, the alternative embodiment is shown with the roof at theapproximate midpoint of the retraction cycle. In FIG. 11, the roof isshown in its fully retracted position with the control link 82 suspendedfrom the body mount 62 and supporting the balance link 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, the inner tonneau cover in combinationwith the retractable top is shown and its operation is described inconjunction with the operation-of the top. A front pivot flange 90extends from the inner tonneau cover 16 and is connected by a pivot pin92 to the vehicle body. A rear pivot link flange 94 also extendsdownwardly from the inner tonneau cover 16 and is connected by a pivotlink pin 96 to bell crank 98. Bell crank 98 is connected by pivotconnector 100 to the roof pivot bracket 46. Roof pivot bracket 46 haspreviously been described as it relates to the roof retractionmechanism. A front tonneau cover control link 102 interconnects the rearpivot link flange 94 to the bell crank 98 at pivot pin 104. Rear tonneaucover control link 106 interconnects the bell crank 98 to a rear tonneaucover control link flange 108 that extends downwardly from the loweredge of the rear roof assembly 38 when the rear roof assembly 38 is inits top up position. The bell crank pivot 110 connects the rear tonneaucover control link 106 to the bell crank 98.

When the retractable top 10 is in its top up position, the inner tonneaucover 16 is preferably maintained in a generally horizontal orientationas shown in FIG. 12. On the beginning of the retraction cycle, the innertonneau cover 16 is moved to a generally vertical position to provideclearance for the passage of the retractable top 10. The inner tonneaucover 16 pivots on pivot pin 92 in a counter clockwise direction asviewed from the left side of the vehicle. The front tonneau covercontrol link 102 is driven by movement of the bell crank 98 in adownward and forward direction as the roof pivot bracket 46 is movedalong the roof guide tracks 50 with the roof pivot bracket being guidedin the roof guide tracks 50 by track follower members 48. As the fronttonneau cover control link 102 is moved by the bell crank to a positionin front of the pivot pin 92, the inner tonneau cover 16 is pulled downto a generally horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 14. Rear tonneaucover control links 106 connect the bell crank 98 to the rear tonneaucover control link flange 108. The bell crank rotates and carries therear tonneau cover control link 106 that in turn supports the rear roofassembly 38. The bell crank 98 transfers the motive force of the rearroof assembly 38 to the tonneau cover and coordinates the movement ofthe retractable top 10 with the inner tonneau cover 16.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the left side of the innertonneau cover and its associated linkage to the retractable top 10. Thedrive illustrated in FIG. 15 is a hydraulic cylinder 81. The front pivotflange 90 and rear pivot link flange 94 are shown on the underside ofthe inner tonneau cover 16. Front tonneau cover control link 102connects the rear pivot link flange 94 to the bell crank 98. Bell crank98 includes three connection points. One connecting the bell crank 98 tothe front tonneau cover control link 102, another connecting the bellcrank 98 to the rear tonneau cover control link 106, and a thirdcomprising pivot connector 112 connecting the bell crank 98 to the roofpivot bracket 46. Operation of the retractable top 10 and inner tonneaucover was previously described with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the trunk lid assembly for a vehicle 12and retractable top 10 is shown. Right and left sides of the trunkassembly are shown in FIG. 19 with the reference numerals for the leftside of the vehicle being duplicated by the same reference numerals witha prime designation designating the corresponding parts on the rightside of the vehicle. A description of the structure and operation of thetrunk lid assembly will be made with reference to the left side with theunderstanding that the right side is a mirror image of the left side.The trunk lid 18 is connected by arcuate support arms 120 at the backend 122 of the arcuate support arms 120. A hinge roller 124 is receivedas a track 126 on the front end 128 of the arcuate support arms 120. Thetrack 126 includes a forward end 130 and a rearward end 132. Referringto FIG. 16, the trunk lid is in its full open position and the hingeroller 124 is disposed in the rearward end 132 of the track 126. Asshown in FIG. 17, with the trunk between its full opened and full closedposition, the hinge roller 124 is located between the forward end 130and the rearward end 132 of the track 126. As shown in FIG. 18, when thetrunk is in its full closed position the hinge roller 124 is disposednear the forward end 130 of the track 126.

A control arm 134 is connected to the vehicle 12 by a pivot bodyconnector 136 on its rearward end 138. A pivot arm connector 140interconnects the control arm 134 to the arcuate support arm 120 on theforward end 142 of the control arm 134. A drive 144 is shownschematically at the forward end of the track 130. The drive 144 may bea hydraulic cylinder, a motor driven screw or other linear drive motorthat would be capable of driving the hinge roller 124 longitudinally inthe track 126.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-23. An alternative embodiment of the trunk lidassembly as shown. Once again the trunk lid assembly includes mirrorimage right and left sides that are shown in FIG. 23 in correspondingreference numerals on the right side of the vehicle are provided withthe same reference numerals as used for the left side but include aprime designation. For brevity, the same reference numerals have beenprovided to similar components of the trunk lid assembly that were usedfor FIGS. 16-19. The trunk lid assembly includes a trunk lid 18 for avehicle 12 that is provided with a retractable top 10. The trunk lid ismoved rearwardly and upwardly by means of the arcuate support arm 120that is connected by hinge roller 124 to a track 126. The hinge roller124 is movable within the track 126 in the position shown in FIG. 20,the full up position, FIG. 21, the partially closed position, and FIG.22 the fully closed position. A control arm 134 is connected to thevehicle by pivot body connector 136 and is connected to the arcuatesupport arm 120 by a pivot arm connector 140. In the embodiment of FIGS.20-23, the drive mechanism shown is a hydraulic cylinder 150 connectedbetween arcuate support arm 120 and control arm 134. The drive cylinder150 is connected to an opening 152 on the control arm 134 and isconnected to an opening 154 on arcuate support arm 120. The drivecylinder 150 contracts as the trunk lid is lifted and is expanded as thetrunk lid is closed as shown in FIG. 22. An air spring 156 may beprovided to assist lifting the trunk lid.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-27, another alternative embodiment of thetrunk lid assembly is shown. Once again the trunk lid assembly includesmirror image right and left sides that are shown in FIG. 27 withcorresponding reference numerals on the right side of the vehicle beingprovided with the same reference numeral as used for the left side butincluding a prime designation. For brevity, the same reference numeralshave been provided to similar components of the trunk lid assembly aswere used for FIGS. 16-19. The trunk lid assembly includes a trunk lid18 for a vehicle 12 that is provided with a retractable top 10. Thetrunk lid is moved rearwardly and upwardly by means of the arcuatesupport arm 120 that is connected by hinge roller 124 to a track 126.The hinge roller 124 is movable within the track 126 in the positionshown in FIG. 24, the full open position, FIG. 25, the partially closedposition, and FIG. 26 the fully closed position. A control arm 134 isconnected to the vehicle or to the frame 14 in a modular construction bypivot body connector 136 and is connected to the arcuate support arm 120by a pivot arm connector 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 24-27, thedrive mechanism is a drive cylinder 160 connected between arcuatesupport arm 120 and control arm 134. The drive cylinder 160 is connectedto an opening 162 on the control arm 134 and is connected to an opening164 on arcuate support arm 120. The drive cylinder 160 contracts as thetrunk lid is lifted and is expanded as the trunk lid is closed, as shownin FIG. 22.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a trunk lid 18 is shown to include a reartonneau cover 20 that is slidably received on tracks 172 and 172′. Theouter tonneau cover 20 extends outwardly from the front edge 22 of thetrunk lid 18 to expand the gap formed between the rear edge 24 of theinner tonneau cover 16 when it is in its horizontal position and thefront edge 22 of the trunk lid 18. The outer tonneau cover is moved by amotor 174 and cables 176 on both sides of the trunk lid to move theouter tonneau 20 in the tracks 172 and 172′. The operation of the outertonneau cover drive is similar in many respects to a sunroof drivewherein the outer tonneau slides and is lifted on links 178 whenextended to be flush with the trunk lid 18.

While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate anddescribe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used inthe specification are words of description rather than limitation, andit is understood that various changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular convertible top for a vehiclecomprising: a frame that is fixedly secured to the vehicle; aretractable multi-panel hard top secured to the frame, the retractabletop having an open position and a stowed position; an inner tonneaucover secured to the retractable top and the frame, the inner tonneauhaving a closed position that the inner tonneau is in at least when theretractable top is in its stowed position and an extension/retractionposition that the inner tonneau is in when the retractable top is movedbetween its open and stowed positions, wherein the frame, retractabletop and inner tonneau cover are installed in the vehicle as a unit. 2.The modular convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a trunk lidsecured to the frame and wherein the trunk lid is also installed in thevehicle as a unit with the frame, retractable top and inner tonneaucover.
 3. The modular convertible top of claim 2 further comprising anouter tonneau cover secured to the trunk lid for sliding movement on thetrunk lid toward and away from the inner tonneau cover attached to theretractable top and frame to open and close an opening defined by afront edge of the trunk lid and a rear edge of the inner tonneau cover.4. The modular convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a roll barsecured to the frame and wherein the roll bar is also installed in thevehicle as a unit with the frame, retractable top and inner tonneaucover.
 5. The modular convertible top of claim 1 further comprising: atrunk lid secured to the frame; an outer tonneau cover secured to thetrunk lid for sliding movement on the trunk lid toward and away from theinner tonneau cover attached to the retractable top and frame to openand close an opening defined by a front edge of the trunk lid and a rearedge of the inner tonneau cover; and a roll bar secured to the frame andwherein the roll bar, trunk lid and outer tonneau cover are alsoinstalled in the vehicle simultaneously and as a unit with the frame,retractable top and inner tonneau cover.
 6. The modular convertible topof claim 1 further comprising a rear quarter window secured to theretractable top and frame, the rear quarter window being carried by theretractable top is moved between the open position and the stowedposition and wherein the frame, retractable top and rear quarter windoware installed in the vehicle as a unit.
 7. A modular convertible top fora vehicle comprising: a frame that is fixedly secured to the vehicle; amulti-panel hard top secured to the frame, the retractable top having anopen position and a stowed position; an inner tonneau cover secured tothe retractable top and the frame, the inner tonneau having a closedposition that the inner tonneau is in at least when the retractable topis in its stowed position and an extension/retraction position that theinner tonneau is in when the retractable top is moved between its openand stowed positions; a trunk lid secured to the frame; an outer tonneaucover secured to the trunk lid for sliding movement on the trunk lidaway from the inner tonneau over attached to the retractable top andframe to open and close an opening defined by a front edge of the trunklid and a rear edge of the inner tonneau cover; and wherein the frame,retractable top, and inner tonneau cover are installed in the vehicle asa unit.
 8. A modular convertible top for a vehicle comprising: a framethat is fixedly secured to the vehicle; a multi-panel hard top securedto the frame, the retractable top having an open position and a stowedposition; an inner tonneau cover secured to the retractable top and theframe, the inner tonneau having a closed position that the inner tonneauis in at least when the retractable top is in its stowed position and anextension/retraction position that the inner tonneau is in when theretractable top is moved between its open and stowed positions; a trunklid secured to the frame; an outer tonneau cover secured to the trunklid for sliding movement on the trunk lid away from the inner tonneaucover attached to the retractable top and frame to open and close anopening defined by a front edge of the trunk lid and a rear edge of theinner tonneau cover; and a roll bar secured to the frame and wherein theroll bar, trunk lid, frame, retractable top, inner tonneau, and outertonneau cover are installed in the vehicle as a unit.
 9. A modularconvertible top for a vehicle comprising: a frame that is fixedlysecured to the vehicle; a retractable top secured to the frame, theretractable top having an open position and a stowed position; an innertonneau cover secured to the retractable top and the frame, the innertonneau having a closed position that the inner tonneau is in at leastwhen the retractable top is in its stowed position and anextension/retraction position that the inner tonneau is in when theretractable top is moved between its open and stowed positions, whereinthe inner tonneau cover is under the retractable top when theretractable top is in its open position, and wherein the frame,retractable top and inner tonneau cover are installed in the vehicle asa unit.
 10. The modular convertible top of claim 9 further comprising atrunk lid secured to the frame and wherein the trunk lid is alsoinstalled in the vehicle as a unit with the frame, retractable top andinner tonneau cover.
 11. The modular convertible top of claim 10 furthercomprising an outer tonneau cover secured to the trunk lid for slidingmovement on the trunk lid toward and away from the inner tonneau coverattached to the retractable top and frame to open and close an openingdefined by a front edge of the trunk lid and a rear edge of the innertonneau cover.
 12. The modular convertible top of claim 9 furthercomprising a roll bar secured to the frame and wherein the roll bar isalso installed in the vehicle as a unit with the frame, retractable topand inner tonneau cover.
 13. The modular convertible top of claim 9further comprising: a trunk lid secured to the frame; an outer tonneaucover secured to the trunk lid for sliding movement on the trunk lidtoward and away from the inner tonneau cover attached to the retractabletop and frame to open and close an opening defined by a front edge ofthe trunk lid and a rear edge of the inner tonneau cover; and a roll barsecured to the frame and wherein the roll bar, trunk lid and outertonneau cover are also installed in the vehicle simultaneously and as aunit with the frame, retractable top and inner tonneau cover.
 14. Themodular convertible top of claim 9 further comprising a rear quarterwindow secured to the retractable top and frame, the rear quarter windowbeing carried by the retractable top as the retractable top is movedbetween the open position and the stowed position and wherein the frame,retractable top and rear quarter window are installed in the vehicle asa unit.
 15. The modular convertible top of claim 7 further comprising arear quarter window secured to the retractable top and frame, the rearquarter window being carried by the retractable top as the retractabletop is moved between the open position and the stowed position andwherein the frame, retractable top and rear quarter window are installedin the vehicle as a unit.